Chapter 11:
I glanced at Mary-Kate nervously as I walked into the room. I already knew Michael hated my guts, but forgive me for the fact that I didn't care the less. All I cared about was Mary-Kate.
"Hey" I whispered going and sitting next to her.
She was holding the baby in her arms and I was itching to see it. She smiled and held the child out to me.
"She's a girl" She said simply and quietly.
It was hard to tell how mad at me she was, but she was talking to me which was something.
"Hello" I whispered smiling at the small baby in my arms. She opened her eyes and I was staring down into these bright blue oceans "She has your eyes" I said to Mary-Kate fondly.
"They'll probably change color" She said with a frown.
I shook my head as I handed the baby back "I don't think so, I think they're here to stay."
She smiled, but it was a forced smile. Just then a nurse came in and took the baby away. And Mary-Kate and I were left alone to work out our problems.
Ok, now I'm scared.
---Ashley---
I decided to leave Zac and Mary-Kate alone. I hailed a cab and went back to the school a huge smile on my face the entire time. Until, that is, I got to the school. Every aspect of the place reminded me of Josh. And thus stole my good mood.
I sighed. Nothing I can do about it today.
I walked into my dorm and came face to face with a major surprise.
"Jesse?" I asked in shock.
"Ashley right?" He asked pulling back from Nikola. The two had been sitting pretty close together on the couch.
"Yeah... Um... What are you doing here?" I had the strong feeling I'd interrupted something.
It couldn't be. The two dormies from nightmares. Dating?!
"He was... just leaving" Nikola said elbowing Jesse who took the hint and started for the door
"Bye" he said with a sheepish wave.
"Bye" I echoed feeling extremely confused. I turned to Nikola who got up from the couch and backed away quickly.
"I'm just.. gonna go study" Nikola said racing into her room and closing the door.
I glanced around the dorm in shock.
Ooooooooooooooooooooook!
---Melanie---
"That's it!" I yelled running away from the camera guy "I am SICK OF THIS!"
I saw Malcolm shoot the camera guy a look and he quickly disappeared. The two of us had gone out on a romantic walked and of course the press just had to come along and destroy it for us!
"Mel" He said gently, putting an arm on my shoulder "Are you ok?"
I turned to him and started to cry "No" I sobbed.
He drew me to him and just wrapped his arms around me. I cried and cried.
When I finally managed to compose myself, walked back to the Motel to see our manager.
And to arrange a break for me.
I honestly felt like I'd go insane if I didn't have one soon.
---Josh---
I got back from my class, totally unsure of what it had been about. There's one exam I'm going to fail.
Oh well, I'll get notes from a friend.
I sighed and sat down on the couch, eying the phone. Should I call Ashley?
Am I brave enough too?
I reached for the phone, then pulled my hand back as if it would bite me.
'Stop being a wimp!' I scolded myself.
Taking a deep breath I reached over picked it up and began to dial Ashley's number.
Chapter 12:
|
"Mary-Kate I'm sorry" I said all in a rush. I picked up her hand and held it to me, looking down at her earnestly.
She just looked up at me calmly, so calmly it was kind of scary.
"Please say something" I begged starting to cry.
How embarassing a grown man crying. Second time today too!
She just smiled serenely and reached out to brush a tear from my cheek "I love you" she said simply.
That just got me crying all the more. Crying with relief and happiness.
"I love you too" I said sobbing.
I calmed myself down a little bit then reached down and kissed her then hugged her. I rested my head on the bed next to her, just staring up at her face, she stroked my hair still totally calm. It was amazing.
---Ashley---
The phone rang and I literally lept off my bed and raced to the other room, in the attempt to beat Nikola. To my surprise she didn't even leave her room. Weird.
I shrugged and picked up the receiver, "Hello?" I was so distracted thinking about Nikola I didn't think to worry about who it would be.
"Ashley?" A nervous voice asked.
My eyes widened and I almost dropped the phone "Josh!" I exlaimed, then catching myself "I mean. Josh hi" I smiled. Dumb huh? Like he could see me!
"Hey" he said quietly.
"Oh, you will never believe what I just saw!" I said cutting in before the conversation could go to a certain uncomfortable topic.
"What?" He asked, not sounding very interested.
"I think we have a new couple" I said still smiling.
"We do?" he sounded like he was choking.
My face paled as I realized my error. "Um, yeah. Jesse and Nikola of al people!" I said quickly rushing ahead.
"Mel and Mary-Kate's room mates?" He said with disbelief.
"Yup! Talk about strange"
Yup, I admit it, I was beyond avoiding the subject. I was running as far from it as I could!
---Josh--
So, she's going to avoid talk of earlier today. Fine! I can play that game too. It would probably be easier anyway.
"Well, I guess they're the perfect couple" I said with a smile (I know she can't see it! lol) "They can annoy each other to death" I knew quite a bit about Jesse, thanks to Melanie's complaining, and I knew a lot of about Nikola thanks to Ashley's complaining.
"Tell me about it!" She laughed.
So we were back to the normal just friends thing?
That's good.
I guess...
---Melanie---
I heard my motel room door open but was too tired to open my eyes and see who it was, but when the person rudely opened the curtains, causing bright, cruel, light to shine on my face I sat up with a start.
"Close those!" I grumbled, shielding my eyes.
"No can do" The familiar voice of Malcolm said.
I moved my hands for a second to see him standing at the end of my bed. He glanced at his watch "You have 10 minutes to get dressed" he said. "Don't worry about packing, Jamie's offered to do it"
I just sat there in confusion.
"10 minutes" He repeated before disappearing out the door.
I just burrowed under the blankets and put the pillow over my head.
"Melanie! Get out of that bed now!" Malcolm's voice called through the wall.
I sat up again. Wow! He knows me too well.
I grumbled to myself as I swung my legs over the side of the bed and started to get dressed. How cruel could he get!
After dressing I walked into the other room "I'm awake and annoyed. What now?" I asked him grumpily.
"Come with me!" He said taking my hand and pulling me out the door.
"Malcolm!" I scolded, trying to ungrasp his hand from mine "Could you please tell me where we're going!?"
"Nope, sorry"
We eventually got outside to find a limo waiting. I glanced from it to Malcolm in confusion. He didn't say anything, just moved closer to me then picked me up.
"Augh! What are you doing?" I screamed in surprise.
"Shh" He said walking over to the car and putting me in then climbing in himself "You're getting your vacation!" He said with a smile and a wink.
Suddenly realizing what was going on I smiled and hugged him excitedly.
"So where are we going?" I asked.
"New York City" he answered.
Uh-oh. New York. New York means....
Michael!
Chapter 13:
|
Zac carefully drove the car into the driveway and parked it by the door. He got out and came around to open her door.
"Your castle M'lady" He said offering his hand.
I smiled at him and took it. "Thank-you" I said. I glanced around "But where's the castle?"
"Ha ha" He said sarcastically "It's a work in progress. Ok?"
"Whatever" I mumbled quietly. I took a good look at the house. We'd moved in 11 months ago, but the house still looked exactly the same. I sighed.
"Anna Banana" he cooed leaning in the back seat to pick up the baby.
After a lot of talking we'd named our baby daughter 'Anna Ashley Hanson' I think the name fit her.
I smiled at the two. For a baby with no hair she looked so much like her father it was amazing.
---Ashley---
I was walking down the school hallway totally lost in my thoughts when Sam a guy from one of my classes appeared at my site.
"Hi Ashley" He said with a big smile.
"Oh, hey Sam" I said smiling back "Sorry, I was kinda spaced out there"
"That's Ok. Hey, I was wondering... I have reservations at this really awesome restaurant and I was wondering if you'd like to go with me?"
I was speechless. I was extremely surprised he was asking me out. I had to come up with a response but couldn't think of one..
---Josh---
I rounded the corner to see Sam asking Ashley out. What nerve!
Ok, so maybe he doesn't know I'm in love with her. But STILL!!!
I marched over to them and took Ashley's arm "Sorry, but we're hanging out tonight" I said to Sam, kinda rudely I'm afraid.
I pulled Ashley along with me as I walked down the hall.
She waved at Sam apologetically then followed me. As soon as we rounded the corner and were out of his sight I totally got it.
"HOW RUDE!" She said swatting my hand from her arm.
"I'm sorry! It's just.... Sam?" I eventually said in disgust.
"I could do worse!" She said glaring at me. I kinda got the feeling I was the 'worse' she was talking about.
"And who says I'm hanging out with you!?" She shouted before storming off down the hall.
"Well...me" I whispered, but by then she was too far away to hear, which was probably a good thing.
---Melanie---
I bit my fingers nervously as the plane flew above the clouds.
"Stop that" Malcolm said pulling my hand away from my mouth.
"Sorry" I mumbled automatically biting again.
He just sighed frustratedly. "Impossible to help" he muttered.
"Thank-You" I smiled happily and hugged him
He looked confused "You're hugging me for calling you impossible.
"No! I'm thanking you for doing this for me. For taking me to new york. I so needed a break. Thank-you!" Was it just my imagination or did he look a little guilty.
Oh, well I was too preoccupied with the inavoidable meeting with Michael that was coming up.
---Ashley---
So, I'm sitting here home alone. I could have been on a date with Sam, but Josh ruined it for me. And I could have been hanging out with Josh but I'm mad at him for ruining my date with Sam.
*Sigh*
My problem with guys is getting old!
---Zac---
"Ugh! It's your turn" I mumbled burying my head under the pillow, anything to block out the crying from Anna.
"Nuh-uh! I went last time" Mary-Kate said sleepily.
"Oh fine" I said grumpily. I stumbled my way over to Anna's crib, accidently kicking the dresser on the way. By the time I was there I was hopping a little and trying to hold back tears of pain. I was so thankful when I finally got back to the warmth of the bed. I wrapped my arms around Mary-Kate and promptly fell asleep again.
Little did I know, today was going to be on loooooooooooooooong (and hard) day!
Chapter 14:
Chapter 14
---Mary-Kate---
"Mary-Kate" Zac whispered into my ear "Mary-Kaaaaaaaaaate"
"What?" I mumbled wishing I could ignore him.
"Mary-Kate wake up"
"Oh fine" I grumbled sitting up and rubbing my eyes "What?!"
"I gotta go to work"
I didn't say anything for a couple of minutes, it took some time to settle in "What?!" I finally asked angrily.
"Just for today, Tay's got an idea for a new song and we just need to get it finished up then I can have the rest of the week off"
"Ok, Woah! Rewind. You're working the DAY after I got back from the hospital, and you're only taking a WEEK off?!?!?!" I was now officially furious. I climbed out of bed and walked out the door.
"Mary-Kate wait" I heard Zac call after me, but I just walked into Anna's room and closed the door.
He whined at the door for awhile, begging me to let him in but I just ignored him. Eventually I heard his car pull out of the driveway.
"Well," I said turning to Anna's crib "I guess that's that then"
Just Great!
---Melanie---
"Mel. Meeeeeeeeeell" Malcolm whispered to me "Wake up! We're about to land"
"What?" I mumbled, I rolled over and hit... a window. And that was when I remembered I was sleeping in the window seat in the plane. I sat up sleepily and glanced around.
"We're in New York already?" I asked disbelievingly.
"Well, just over it anyway"
I glanced out the window and saw the familiar city underneath us.
"Wow" I said softly "Great!"
I leaned my head against the window and let out a little moan.
"Aw, Mel" Malcolm said massaging my shoulders. "You'll wake up soon"
He thought I was this nervous because I was still asleep?
Can you say.... Clueless!?
---Josh---
Feeling very determined I marched up to Ashley's door. I lifted my hand to knock and... chickened out. I just stood there, my fist raised to knock, man I musta looked like an idiot.
Just then the door swung open and Nikola walked straight into my fist.
"Ow!" She said putting her hand to her head
"Oh! Sorry" I said feeling guilty.
"Are you feeling ok?" She asked before heading next door to the apartment which used to be Melanie's and I now know belongs to Jesse. Hmmm must be that romance Ashley mentioned.
I turned back to the door which Nikola had just left open. I saw Ashley walk past, not even noticing the open door, she'd just got out of the shower and was wearing a pink bathrobe with dalmations on it and her hair was up in a towel.
"Very attractive!" I said fighting to hold back a laugh.
She spun, saw me, shrieked, and disappeared into her room.
"I'll just let myself in, then!" I called to the closed door.
"Whatever!" Came the muffled response.
I just chuckled to myself and sat down on the sofa.
---Mary-Kate---
I was sitting on the sofa reading when the phone rang.
"Helly-o" I said.
"Mary-Kate!" A happy voice said.
"MEL!" I sat up quickly, startling Anna who'd fallen asleep in my arms, she woke up and started to cry.
"Oooh! Is that who I think it is?" Mel asked excitedly.
"Yup, That's Anna" I said tiredly. "She's been home for one day and man is she a lot of work" I laughed "I love her though" I gently stroked Anna's face as she settled to go to sleep again.
"I wanna meet her"
"I hope you can soon"
"Well, actually. Let me glance at my watch" She paused to give me the impression she was "I could be there in say... 5 minutes?"
"WHAT!?" I sat up again and poor Anna cried some more.
"In fact I'm right ouside" I could hear the smile in her voice.
I walked over to the window and looked out, sure enough Mel and Malcolm were inside.
"Well, what are you doing out there? Get in here already!" I laughed before hanging up the phone and waiting for one of my best friends.
Chapter 15:
|
---Ashley---
Who does he think he is just inviting himself in like that?
I walked back into the lounge, after changing, and hands on hips glared at Josh.
"Nikola let me in" He said nodding "Aww, I liked the dalmations"
"Ha ha!" I said sarcastically.
---Zac---
"Ok, Zac where are you?" Isaac gave up playing his guitar and set it down on the floor next of him, he folded his arms and waited for me to respond.
"I dunno" I said shrugging.
"Yes you do" Ike argued.
"Mary-Kate didn't want me to come over today, what with Anna just getting home and everything."
"I see her point"
I looked at him incredulously "You do?"
"Of course! Come on Zac.. which is more important to you. Your job? Or her and Anna?"
I nodded "You're right"
"And after all, it's a special time, your first day with your daughter"
"Ok! OK" I said putting up my hands "You have me convinced. I better go home"
---Melanie---
"Excuse me a second ladies" Malcolm said getting up from the table "I have to call someone" He walked outside.
"So.." Mary-Kate said grining and glancing at the window where we could see Malcolm on his cell "How are things between you two?"
I grinned happily "Great! He arranged this whole trip, just cause he knew how much I needed a vacation"
"How Sweet!" Mary-Kate said grinning. Just then Anna started to cry from the other room "Excuse me for a second" she said getting up. She got to the door then turned back to me "Oh, would you like another tea?"
"Sure, I'll go see if Malcolm wants one too" She nodded and I walked outside. I was just rounding the corner of the house and about to come into his site, when the conversation cought my attention.
"Yeah, I miss you too sugarlips" He was cooing into the phone.
Sugarlips?
Rewind! What's up with that?
I waited there, until he'd got off the phone. After a few minutes he rounded the corner to see me leaning against the wall. "So how's sugar lips?" I asked dryly.
"She's great" He said looking a little nervous.
"Good, you know I don't think I've met this sugar lips" I said pushing away from the wall I'd been leaning on and walking over to him "Who is she?"
"Uh,.. my sister" He said glancing away from me.
"You call your sister sugar lips?" I asked incredulously. What'd he think I was? Stupid?
"Yeah, it's kind of a long story, Lets just say she got into a bag of sugar when she was five, the name stuck with her ever since" He nodded looking a little more confidance.
I nodded "Sure!" I said sarcastically, though I was a little unsure about it now. I walked back into the house
"It's true!" He yelled at my back. But I didn't turn back.
---Mary-Kate---
"What would you think of a shopping trip for old times?" Melanie asked with a grin.
"I'd love it!" I said happily.
"Great!" Melanie said.
"Wait! What am I supposed to do?" Malcolm asked. I'd noticed the two had been a little cold to each other ever since they came back from outside.
"Go visit sugarlips or something. You could meet me somewhere" Melanie said with a flip of her hair.
Sugarlips?
Weird couple!
The two made their arrangments, I got Anna and we headed out for some serious shopping.
---Zac---
I drove the car into the drive and turned of the ignition. I took a big breath and got out of the car.
"Hello!" I called when inside the house. "Are you here?"
I walked all around the house but neither she, nor Anna were there. She didn't even leave a note!
I kept willing myself not to worry but I was.
---Josh---
Ok, so she's still furious.
I could try the apologizing technique.
Eugh!
Or.... I could just avoid the whole thing.
I like that idea a LOT more!
"So! How about a movie?" I asked with a fake smile.
Ashley glared at me for a second "Fine!" She eventually suceeded. She got up and dragged me to the door "Lets go already"
I guess it's too much to hope that this movie will be like the last one we went to.
*sigh*